PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Embassy, Canberra
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*
07 July 2026, CANBERRA – Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio Morales attended the Exclusive Travel Agent Information Evening held at the Cameron Avenue Conference and Events Centre in the Australian Capital Territory on 7 July 2026.
The event was organized by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) – Sydney in partnership with Total Holiday Options as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration with the Australian travel industry and further promote the Philippines as a premier destination for Australian travelers.
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Morales emphasized the important role of tourism in fostering closer people-to-people ties between the Philippines and Australia. “We hope to welcome even more Australians to the Philippines, as travel fosters greater understanding and closer connections between our people,” Ambassador Morales said.
The Ambassador noted that Australia remains an important tourism market for the Philippines and highlighted the continued growth in Australian visitor arrivals, as well as the increasing interest in destinations beyond the country’s traditional tourism hubs. Ambassador Morales added that this trend presents an opportunity to broaden awareness of the diverse experiences available across the Philippines and to encourage visitors to explore more destinations.
Ms. Cassandra Cammongol, Officer-in-Charge of the DOT – Sydney, delivered a presentation on the Philippines’ tourism offerings and development initiatives. In addition to highlighting the country’s diverse tourism attractions, she underscored the Philippines’ advantages as a travel destination, including the widespread use of English, excellent value for money, quality accommodations and transportation, and the renowned warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. She also discussed government initiatives aimed at strengthening the tourism sector, including the development of Tourism Enterprise Zones, Barrier-Free Tourism programs for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and travelers with special needs, as well as women- and child-friendly tourism programs.
The presentation also highlighted the strong air connectivity between Australia and the Philippines, with 39 weekly flights operating between the two countries. This connectivity supports the growing interest of Australian travelers in exploring the Philippines.
Mr. Amaan Khan, Global CEO and Marketing Director of Total Holiday Options, presented various travel packages featuring the Philippines and nearby destinations. Multi-destination itineraries have become increasingly popular among travelers and highlighted the company’s collaboration with travel agents to develop tailored travel experiences and expand market reach.
As of year-to-date 2026, the Philippines has recorded 194,659 visitor arrivals from Australia. In 2025, Australian visitor arrivals increased by 15.75 percent compared with 2024, reflecting the sustained growth of Australia as an important tourism market for the Philippines. - END
